Motshekga set to update MPs on security situation in DRC
She's been facing mounting pressure from political parties to explain the status of South Africa's troops deployed there following the deaths of 14 soldiers last week, allegedly at the hands of M23 rebels.
FILE: Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, addresses the National Joint Operational Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) ahead of their deployment for the Opening of Parliament (OPA) on 18 July 2024. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is due in Parliament on Tuesday for an update on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
She's been facing mounting pressure from political parties to explain the status of South Africa's troops deployed there following the deaths of 14 soldiers last week, allegedly at the hands of M23 rebels.
The incident has caused a diplomatic spat between Pretoria and Kigali over the purpose of the mission and who's responsible for the soldiers' deaths.
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Political parties were outraged last week after the chairperson of the standing committee on defence, Dakota Legoete, unilaterally cancelled a meeting at which they had hoped to receive details from Motshekga regarding the deaths and casualties in Goma.
Legoete said it was to allow the minister enough time to compile the necessary reports to present to Parliament.
More than 1,000 South African troops have been stationed in the DRC since December 2023 as part of a joint Southern African Development Community (SADC) and UN peacekeeping force, although there have been mixed messages over the exact nature of their role.
A year ago, a SANDF helicopter was shot down in the area and at least one soldier died, raising concerns from the onset about SA troops being ill-equipped for their mission.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has written to Speaker Thoko Didiza to scale down on the military pomp and ceremony that usually accompanies the State of the Nation event scheduled for Thursday night out of respect for the fallen soldiers.
MP Chris Hattingh: "The DA believes proceeding with the patronising display of military capability while our troops face hardships abroad in the absence thereof, is not only tone deaf, but also a gross disservice to those who have sacrificed for our country."
Motshekga visited Goma in January and said at a media briefing last week that it was untrue that the soldiers did not have the resources they needed for combat.